Red Hand of Ulster

The Red Hand of Ulster (Irish: Lámh Dhearg Uladh) is a symbol used in heraldry^[1] to denote the Irish province of Ulster and the Northern Uí Néill in particular. It has also been used however by other Irish clans across the island, including the ruling families of western Connacht (i.e. the O'Flahertys and McHughs) and the chiefs of the Midlands (e.g. O'Daly, Kearney, etc.).^[2]

"Red Hand" redirects here. For other uses, see Red hand.

It is an open hand coloured red, with the fingers pointing upwards, the thumb held parallel to the fingers, and the palm facing forward. It is usually shown as a right hand, but is sometimes a left hand, such as in the coats of arms of baronets.

one of the last fully trained Irish bardic poets,^[19] admonishes the claim of the O'Neills to the Red Hand, arguing that it rightly belongs to the Magennises, who should be allowed to keep it.^[17] He supports his statement citing several medieval texts attributing it to Conall Cernach, the legendary ancestor of the Uí Eachach Cobo.^[17]

Diarmaid Mac an Bhaird

refutes the Clanna Róigh (Clanna Rudraige) right to the symbol.^[17] He cites a story based on the Lebor Gabála Érenn claiming that it belongs to the descendants of Érimón, from whom Conn of the Hundred Battles and thus the O'Neills are said to descend.^[17]

Eoghan Ó Donnghaile

Niall dismisses both these claims and states that the symbol belongs to the Clann Domhnaill (Clandonnell, descended from the Three Collas, the legendary ancestors of the Airgíalla).^[17] Mac Muireadhaigh derides Ó Donnghaile as a fool and finds it deplorable that he is an author.^[17]